SF LIFE: Gone With The Wind – Mammy!, Shakespeare, Pride, Filoli

Stern Grove, Symphony, ball park tours, and travel. Sum, sum summertime! Welcome sunshine and warmth. Calling Gone with the Wind fans, check out this one-woman show about the actress who portrayed Mammy! It’s time for Shakespeare in the Park and it’s all about a midsummer – know what I mean? Pride month is here, and activities surround us like a rainbow, and speaking of rainbows…all of the hues can be seen at the gardens of Filoli, but this summer they offer so much more! June is busting out all over! Tra la….

June 21-24. Hattie McDaniel – What I Need You to Know

That Forever classic Gone with The Wind had Scarlett and Rhett at the helm, but perhaps the most memorable character is that of Mammy. The actress who portrayed her, Hattie McDaniel was an inspiration to so many women in the 1940’s. Now Vickilyn Reynolds, tomato with an awe-inspiring voice, has writing a one-woman musical play based on Hattie’s life. Hattie McDaneil, What I Need You to Know.

Hattie was the first African American actor to receive an Oscar for her supporting role as Mammy in the epic 1939 film. We, as the audience take a dramatic musical journey that explores Hattie’s life, her early childhood, her relationship with her family and her difficult decision to leave and move to Los Angeles. We get to witness her pursuit of artistic dreams during a time filled with racism and segregation. We see the intimate and personal sides of Hattie’s life as a wife, businesswoman, and an aspiring African American Entertainer.

Reynolds wrote most of the show’s songs that chronicle McDaniel’s life from being the daughter of slaves and the youngest of 13 children to pounding the pavement of Hollywood. She is a vocal powerhouse and this story Reynold’s has created will move and inspire you. June 21 – 24th at Fort Mason’s Cowell Theatre. Get tickets.

The Shakespeare Festival: Midsummer’s Night Dream

One of my favorite of Will’s plays is coming to our outdoor spaces this summer. Since each production of this classic play is a unique, I’m excited to follow the misadventures of the four young lovers, the aspiring actors and the mischievous fairies as they enter the woods outside Athens on a summer night. Perhaps you have not yet seen this adventurous tale, but trust me hilarity and chaos ensue and there is no real “death” scene as in some of Shakespeare’s tragic plays.

The evening will be filled with love and laughter. So much fun to gather family and friends, a blanket, a bottle of “summer” water (i.e., Rose) and some nibbles. The SF Shakespeare Festival believes that W.S.’s plays are best experienced in a communal setting, particularly in the great outdoors. The festival is a great way to reach thousands of people who otherwise do not attend live theatre. They also offer programs for children and the underserved and they are dedicated to arts education. Enjoy this year’s free production in Pleasanton, Cupertino, Redwood City, and two locations in SF. Performances begin June 30th. www.sfshakes.org

Pride Month Celebrations

Many rainbow hued events surround this important recognition month of the LGBT community culminating on the 23rd and 24th at the Civic Center Plaza. Immerse yourself in love and entertainment as you listen to inspirational speakers and performers. There are events for the deaf and hard of hearing, seniors, fans of country-western music, hip hop and indie. There is a wellness pavilion, and events for families as well.

The well attended parade starts at 10:30 on Sunday the 24th up market street from the Civic Center to the Embarcadero. SF Pride is also a grant giving organization and has awarded over $2.5 million from proceeds of the celebration and Parade to local non-profit LGBT organizations. Entrance to the celebration is only $1. So check it out and support our community! www.sfpride.org

Fabulous Events at Filoli

Ah the lush gardens, the exquisite elegance – that is Filoli. Not just the place to take out of town guests, Filoli has added fabulous new events to their usual offerings this summer. June 21st grab your yoga mat for a drop in yoga session at 5 p.m. by the pool. Your Zen moment will be followed by a complimentary lecture by Lucy Deikmann, of Santa Clara University, about growing good food in urban gardens. Take in the benefits of aromatherapy and forest bathing and get a free glass of wine when you wear your flower beard or crown.

On June 28th (5 – 8 p.m.), enjoy talks about bees and the palette of eveolution as the orchards open up for guests to visit the onsite beehive. Other fun events coming later in the summer, so stay tuned to this newsletter for the details. www.filoli.org

Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kim-selby.com